FAIRFAX HOME INSPECTIONS FOR BUYERS--THE INSIDE INSPECTION
After the outside inspection is completed on the Fairfax Home, the inspector goes inside the home and goes to the lower level or basement. Fairfax Homes are checked for many things inside. The electrical system is checked, the plumbing system is checked, the heating system and air conditioning, washer and dryer, kitchen appliances, bathrooms, the attic, and the doors and windows are also checked in all Fairfax Homes.
The Fairfax inspector will first check the electrical panel by taking off the cover and checking the wires inside to make sure they are all the correct size and make sure there is not a fire hazard. Federal Pacific panels have been banned because the circuit breakers fail to trip if there is an overload. The Fairfax inspector also checks all the outlets in the home to make sure they are wired correctly and that there are no "reverse polarity" outlets. Also the GFCI (ground fault circuit interrrupter) outlets are checked to make sure they trip when tested.
Next the plumbing in a Fairfax Home is checked. All bathrooms are checked for leaks at the drains and makes sure all toilets work well. He checks and notes the type of the interior water supply lines; copper and C-PVC (beige colored plastic piping) are acceptable, whereas polybutylene lines are not as they have been known to leak and burst at the joints. These are noted by their gray color and copper bindings at the joints. The dishwasher and kitchen sink is checked for leaks along with the garbage disposal. The water heater is also checked for leaks. Most water heaters are good for 10 to 15 years, but some can last up to 25 years.
Next the heating system and air conditioning are checked by the Fairfax Home inspector. He turns on the heating system and checks to make sure it works, and then checks the air conditioning system if it is warm outside. Air conditioning systems are not checked in cold weather as it may damage the compressor. There are two common types: the gas furnace and the heat pump which is all electric.
After the electric, plumbing, and heating/AC systems are checked, the inspector checks the attic and checks for signs of leaks, mold growth, insulation, and general condition of the attic.
After these main parts of the home are checked by the Fairfax inspector, all room doors are checked to make sure they all lock and close correctly, checks all the windows to make sure they move well and stay up when opened, he checks the walls for cracks and "nail pops." Nail pops are usually found on the second floor of the home in the ceilings. The expansion and contraction of the wood over the second floor ceiling forces the drywall down when it expands, and when it contracts, the nail stays stuck out. Sometimes it is a bulge, and sometimes the nail is clearly seen sticking out. It is mostly a cosmetic problem.
That is the complete interior inspection!!!!